| Author | Message | ||
     Rubberdown |
http://www.sportinglife.com/others/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/01/09 /AUTO_Dakar_Nightlead.html | ||
| Tripper |
Clipped from KTM website: ====================== FATAL ACCIDENT OF 41 YEAR OLD AUSTRALIAN ANDY CALDECOTT 09.01.2006 Australian Repsol KTM rider Andy Caldecott fatally crashed on the 9th stage of the Dakar (Nouakchott – Kiffa). The accident happened directly after the day off. This information has totally shocked us, we’re at a loss for words. The terrible accidents in the past 2 years caused us to start with mixed feelings and question our rally engagement. The presenters of the Dakar have tried to make the rally safer together with several manufacturers. A tempo limit has been adopted, a GPS system which enables each rider to be located and to allow him to communicate with the presenter. Riders can have more rests now due to shorter tank stops. A pretty sportive rally until yesterday’s day of rest eclipsed the pain of the past - today we were brutally pulled out of our dream to make this rally safe. Our thoughts are with Andy and his family. KTM Motorsport Andy Caldecott 1964 - 2006 ========================= | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Very sad. I was always rooting for Andy. rest in peace. | ||
| Rocketman |
This is such terrible news. I can't imagine how upsetting this is for Pete too. Shocked and saddened. Rocket | ||
| Dbird29 |
After reading Pete's account of the Dakar, I wouldn't blame KTM from not running it anymore. DBird | ||
| Fusa21 |
Numbing... I've watched the Dakar Rally for years up until NaSCrap Nation took over Speed Channel. I resorted to the web for updates last year. It seems as though there are fatal crashes in the race almost every year, but the past couple of years have been really tough. Last year Meoni was killed, and now Andy. Its truely sad to see such fierce riders and competitors fight such unbelievable odds year after year, then just like that they are standing on the big podium in the sky. I have to say I have mixed feelings on Andy's death. I think he was doing what he loved to do, and that's something to be remembered for. Ride on brother! | ||
| Buellfighter |
Hated to hear about Caldecotts death and KTM pulling out but after all it is a 7000 mile race across the desert into the unknown with only a gps for guidance and over 500 teams competing. Sounds like a recipe for disaster if you ask me, but if I could afford it I'd sign up in a heartbeat as would most of you I'm sure! | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Buellfighter - I would sign up without a doubt. I would probably place very poorly though. Regardless, that is what separates the Esteve's, Caldecott's, Sala's, from blokes like me. I would race, but they RACE. They hang it out over the edge, because they know that even though the race is over 5000 miles long it can be won or lost by seconds. They are the professionals - the well trained and strongest of heart. They know that if they want to excel in their chosen profession they have to ride at %100 for %100 of the time. There is no compromise. God bless them. I am forever in awe of their accomplishments. |
